Breda is described as being 5ft4in in height, of slight build, with shoulder-length blonde/grey hair and blue eyes. When last seen she was wearing a white cardigan, a grey calf-length skirt and black shoes.

A major search operation was launched following her disappearance.

Those taking part in the search throughout the weekend included members of the Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard, life guards and the Civil Defence.

The search intensified yesterday, with members from Greystones and Howth Coast Guard Units and the RNLI Dun Laoghaire lifeboat station joining family, friends and neighbours in checking coastal areas.

Stretch

The Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard said the search started from 2pm on Sunday and covered a 10km stretch of coastline.

"It involved 40 to 50 volunteers from across a number of agencies, as well as family and friends and a number of people who joined in as the search progressed," a Coast Guard spokesperson said.

The search for Breda will continue today following a full assessment of the situation.

"A decision will be made later on about what resources will be required for the search," the spokesperson added.

There was a notable increase in the number of gardai in Blackrock on Sunday, with extra patrol cars combing the area as part of the search operation.

There has also been a massive online response to Breda's disappearance, with her picture and information being shared hundreds of times on social media.

A local shop worker last night expressed disbelief at her disappearance and voiced his concern.

"Those searching are planning to walk along the beaches while the tide is out," said the shop worker.

"There's been a couple of missing person cases lately that have had happy outcomes. I really hope they find her, please God they find her safe and well," he added.